Lily Franky (real name Masaya Nakagawa) is a prolific Japanese actor, musician, and author. He is primarily recognized for his film career, characterized by his portrayal of ordinary men, often complex or morally ambiguous, depicted with a poignant realism.

His most significant collaboration is with director Hirokazu Kore-eda. He gained widespread international acclaim for his performance in *Like Father, Like Son* (2013), where he portrays an unconventional biological father. He then played the central role of Osamu in *Shoplifters* (2018), the Palme d'Or winner at Cannes, a performance that cemented his status.

Franky demonstrates remarkable versatility, ranging from vulnerable characters to darker figures, as seen in Kazuya Shiraishi's *The Devil's Path* (2013). His subtle style and his ability to embody everyday life make him one of the most distinctive actors in contemporary Japanese cinema.